Holding company
Advantages of Mauritius Company Formation Services
- Main Gateway to Africa and Asia with convenient timezone
- Fast incorporation process
- AC company exempted from taxation
- Strong privacy provisions for companies
- Possibile to open local bank account in Mauritius
Privacy Score
This score demonstrates how much privacy can be maintained by the company and the rate of disclosure of the corporate information for open public scrutiny. The higher the rate, the more privacy the company can enjoy. All rates are based on the open sources and subjective view of Astra Trust.
76
0
100
Tax Haven Score
This score demonstrates the tax burden applicable to the company and the jurisdiction as a whole. The higher the score, the lower are tax rates, and the easier is regulation. All scores are based on the open sources and subjective view of Astra Trust.
82
0
100
Reputation
This score demonstrates the reputation of the company and jurisdiction in the financial and business circles. The higher the score, the more favourable is the treatment by financial institutions, authorities, and counterparties. All scores are based on the open sources and subjective view of Astra Trust.
Very Good
Find out more about Mauritius
Mauritius is an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean. In the past, the state was alternately a Dutch, French and British colony. Its location to the southeast of the African mainland made the island an important trading centre on the route from Europe to India.
Mauritius gained its independence from Britain in 1968. Today, the country is a parliamentary republic with the president as its head of state. However, Mauritius has remained part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
In 1992, the International Financial Centre was established by allowing non-residents to set up offshore companies in Mauritius. In the same year, the Offshore Trusts Act was adopted, which was later repealed by the Trusts Act, 2001. Such legislative changes gave impetus to the further development of the Mauritius offshore financial industry.
Mauritius is nowadays a primary gateway to Africa and enjoys numerous double taxation treaties with key industrialised countries. It connects Asia, Africa and Australia, making it the major business and corporate services hub in the region. Modern corporate and AML legislation allows GBL companies in Mauritius to benefit from a low tax regime and a wide network of double taxation treaties. These treaties include 45 countries including India, the UK, Germany, Italy, UAE and all major African countries. The so-called Mauritius Authorised Companies are exempt from any tax in Mauritius, but cannot benefit from double taxation treaties.
Under the Current Legislation, it is Possible to Set Up the Following Types of Offshore Entities in Mauritius:
- Global Business Company (GBC);
- Authorised Company (AC);
- Limited Partnership (LP);
- Protected Cell Company (PCC); and
- Trusts.
Why Set Up a Mauritius Company?
As an offshore financial services centre, Mauritius is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to operate globally. This island nation has developed a strong financial industry comprising international and local banks, management companies, insurance companies, auditing and law firms, etc.
Cost-Effective and Efficient Financial Centre
It should be noted that the fees for professional services in Mauritius remain substantially lower than those in European financial centres. In addition, Mauritius business registration is fast and cost-effective.
The Registrar of Companies in Mauritius is proven to be efficient and service-oriented. The incorporation of a Mauritius company takes only 1-2 days after submission of the incorporation to the Registrar of Companies.
Gateway to Africa
Mauritius is the perfect jurisdiction for those looking to invest in Africa. The island nation has the largest network of double taxation avoidance treaties with African countries. Global Business Companies (GBCs) can benefit from the double taxation treaties as tax residents of Mauritius. A GBC can be used as a holding company in Mauritius. Alternatively, it can also be used as a trading company. The lowest tax rate in the region and numerous tax exemptions make Mauritius the preferred financial centre for investing or operating in the African region.
Mauritius can offer up-to-date trust arrangements with asset protection provisions. This allows for the creation of trusts in Mauritius to protect family assets. Mauritius trust law permits the establishment of discretionary, purpose and charitable trusts to meet the needs of the settlor and beneficiaries. The cost of setting up a trust in Mauritius is also lower than in the Cayman Islands or the Channel Islands.
Astra Trust can assist with Mauritius offshore company formation. Additional services such as local directors and nominee shareholders are also available. Our company has accumulated extensive experience in the incorporation and administration of Mauritius offshore companies.
Global Business Company and Authorised Company in Mauritius
There are two main types of companies that can be incorporated in Mauritius. Both of them serve different purposes and have completely different regulation.
Global Business Company (GBC)
The Global Business Company (GBC) is a company incorporated in Mauritius that has applied for a Global Business License (GBL) issued by the Mauritius FSC.
The main advantage of this type of company is that it is deemed to be a tax resident of Mauritius and can therefore benefit from the wide network of double taxation avoidance agreements in Mauritius. The GBC company can apply for a Tax Residence Certificate from the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
The corporate tax rate applicable to a GBC company is 15%. However, a partial income exemption of 80% may apply for specific types of income, reducing the effective tax rate to 3%.
Moreover, a GBC may claim a tax refund for taxes levied on the source if higher than 15%. This can lower the effective tax rate to 0%.
The GBC should have the majority of the directors based in Mauritius.
Authorised Company (AC)
The Authorised Company (AC) is a standard offshore vehicle with limited liability. An AC is not deemed to be a tax resident of Mauritius, its principal place of management and place of business is located outside the island.
AC companies are tax-exempt in Mauritius and do not pay any taxes, but also do not benefit from the Mauritius double taxation treaties.
Authorised Companies in Mauritius are mainly used as investment vehicles, international trading companies or for asset holding.
The AC company cannot claim tax residency in Mauritius and its directors and shareholders shall reside outside of Mauritius.
For more information on Mauritius Authorised Company formation, please contact Astra Trust for a free consultation.
A Mauritius Authorized Company is the Best Option for the Following Business Activities:
International trade
Asset protection
Investment company
Taxation of a Mauritius Company
| Currency | Mauritian Rupee (MUR) |
| Corporate Income Tax | 0/15% |
| Withholding Tax | 0/0/10% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% |
| Inheritance Tax | 0% |
| VAT | 15% |
| Exchange Controls | No |
Taxation in Mauritius
The tax system in Mauritius is based on the concept of residency. A company is deemed to be a tax resident of Mauritius if it is incorporated in Mauritius or its management and control are exercised from Mauritius.
Taxation of Global Business Companies
The standard flat corporate tax rate is 15%. This rate applies to Global Business Companies (GBCs), trusts and partnerships that are tax residents in Mauritius. To be a tax resident of Mauritius, the company’s main bank account must be held and its central management and control located in Mauritius.
Taxation of Authorised Companies
The Authorised Company is a separate type of company and is not a tax resident of Mauritius. It is regulated by a special regime and is therefore not subject to any taxation in Mauritius. As with the standard IBC, this type of company is not allowed to carry out any business activities in Mauritius.
Dividends paid by a Mauritian company are exempt from tax. A tax credit can be claimed for the underlying tax and withholding tax on foreign dividends.
No capital gains tax is applicable in Mauritius.
The value-added tax rate in Mauritius is 15%, with a reduced tax rate of 0%.
The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
There are no currency exchange controls in Mauritius.
Corporate Legislation in Mauritius
Mauritius has a hybrid legal system resulting from a combination of both French civil and English common law. The basis of Mauritian legislation is drawn from the French civil code. After Mauritius became a British colony, certain parts of English law were implemented. It should be noted that Mauritius company formation and administration are regulated exclusively by English law.
Common law corporate legislation
Offshore legislation, as in other offshore financial centres, is based exclusively on common law statutes. The latest Companies Act, 2001, is largely based on New Zealand’s Companies Act. The offshore trust concept, which allows non-residents to set up a trust in Mauritius, has also been introduced by statute since 1992.
During the past 30 years, Mauritius has established a strong reputation as a leading financial centre in the African region due to its stability and modern offshore legislation.
Mauritius trust legislation provides asset protection provisions to protect trust property. To benefit from this legislation, the terms of the trust must specify Mauritian law as the governing law of the trust.
The Following Laws Regulate the Offshore Industry in Mauritius
Process of Mauritius Company Registration
Stage 1
Contact us for more information and quotes. We answer within three hours!
Stage 2
Fill in a form, provide us with the required documents and make a payment.
Stage 3
Receive the scanned incorporation documents within two days, and hard copies by courier in up to seven days.
Required Documents To Incorporate In Mauritius
To incorporate a Mauritius company the following KYC documents are required:
- Business plan for the future company
- Certified copy of proof of ID for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners
- Certified proof of address for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners
- Reference letter from a banking institution, notary, attorney or auditor
- Curriculum Vitae duly signed
- Incorporation and KYC forms provided by your personal manager in Astra Trust
For more information click below to receive certification instructions and requirements.
Documents And Services You Receive After Mauritius Company Formation
Mauritius Company Formation Fees Include The Following Services:
- Company name search in the Register of Companies for availability
- Revision of KYC and CDD documents
- Payment of Government Fees
- Necessary filings to the Registrar of Companies
- Drafting of activation corporate documents on incorporation of a Mauritius company
- Mauritius Registered Office services for 1 year
- Mauritius Registered Agent services for 1 year
- Compliance Fees
- Full administrative support 24/7 from your personal manager in Astra Trust
The Following Mauritius Company Documents are issued after setting up a company in Mauritius:
- Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Mauritius Registrar of Companies
- Memorandum of Association stamped by the Mauritius Registrar of Companies
- Articles of Association stamped by the Mauritius Registrar of Companies
- Resolution of appointment of first directors
- Register of directors
- Register of shareholders
- Minutes of first meeting of directors
- Share Certificate for each shareholder
Need More Help To Setup Your Offshore Company in Mauritius?
Get in touch with us for any questions regarding Mauritius company registration
Company Name In Mauritius
According to the Mauritius Companies Act, 2001, the name of a Mauritius company shall end with:
- the word “Limited” or “Limitèe”; or
- the abbreviation “Ltd” or “Ltèe”.
The proposed company name shall not be identical or similar to the name under which another company is registered in Mauritius and the use of the name would, in the opinion of the Registrar, be likely to confuse or mislead.
The name shall be stated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Mauritius company upon incorporation.
Board Of Directors And The Shareholders Of a Mauritius Company
For the Authorised Company, the minimum number of directors is one. Directors can be individuals or legal persons of any nationality and residency.
The board of directors meetings of an Authorised Company can take place anywhere in the world.
Shareholders of an Authorised Company can be individuals or legal entities of any nationality and residency. The minimum number of shareholders is one.
For the Global Business Company, the minimum number of directors is two. The directors shall be individuals and residents of Mauritius for the company to be a tax resident of Mauritius. It is not obligatory for a GBC to have local shareholders or resident beneficiaries.
Astra Trust can assist you in all matters relating to Mauritius offshore company formation, provision of directorship services, accounting and bank account opening. Ask us how to register a company in Mauritius for further details.
Share Capital of Mauritius Company
For both types of Mauritius companies, the Global Business Company and the Authorised Company, the share capital can be of any value and currency (except MUR) as stated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association upon incorporation.
The standard authorised share capital is usually USD 50,000 with a par value of USD 1 each. The issued share capital can be one share of any par value up to USD 50,000 or 50,000 shares of par value of USD 1 each.
The authorised share capital can be both par value and no par value.
A Mauritius offshore company can issue different classes of shares, as stated in its Memorandum of Association.
Bearer shares are prohibited from being issued in Mauritius.
Privacy of a Mauritius Offshore Company
The registers of directors, shareholders and beneficial owners are stored at the registered office by the management agent of the Mauritius company.
The register of directors and secretaries is open to the public and accessible through the Mauritius registrar of companies. The information about shareholders and beneficial owners is not publicly available and is stored with the managing company at the registered address of the Mauritius offshore company. The information about beneficial ownership of Mauritius companies is shared with the Mauritius authorities.
The privacy of a Mauritius offshore company can be further enhanced by using the services of a director and a nominee shareholder. Beneficial ownership can be structured through trusts or foundations, where the shares of the company would form part of the trust’s assets.
The beneficiary of the trust may be of any nationality or residency, as stated in the trust deed. If you would like to know how to register a trust in Mauritius, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Economic Substance Requirements in Mauritius
The economic substance requirements in Mauritius are only applicable in the case of GBCs applying for an 80% partial tax exemption on certain income streams. The rules in such cases are very specific and can be explained by our specialists on a case-by-case basis.
Apart from that specific scenario, there are no economic substance requirements applicable in Mauritius.
Reporting Requirements in Mauritius
A Global Business Company (GBC) incorporated in Mauritius must keep accounting records up to date and its officers must be able to explain the company’s operations.
The GBC must appoint an auditor, prepare audited accounts and file them with the authorities annually.
An Authorised Company (AC) is not required to appoint an auditor or prepare and file audited statements with the authorities in Mauritius.
If you would like to know more about setting up a company in Mauritius, please contact the Astra Trust team to receive further detailed information free of charge.
Key Features of Mauritius company
General Information
- Jurisdiction – Independent nation
- Entity Type – Global Business (GBC) & Authorised Company (AC)
- Corporate Tax – 0/15%
- Currency – MUR
- Currency Exchange Control – No
- Legal Framework – Mixed Civil and Common Law
- Recognition of Trust – Recognised
- Court of Final Appeal – The Supreme Court of Mauritius
Business Activity Restrictions
- Business Activity Restrictions – No. Subject to standard licensed types of activities
- Economic Substance Requirements – No
- Prohibition of Business Within Mauritius – Not applicable
Requirements to Directors
- Register of Directors – Opened for public
- Minimum Number of Directors – 1
- Corporate Director – Available
- Local Director – Not required
- Nominee Director – Available
Requirements to Secretary
- Secretary – Not required (optional)
- Local Secretary – Not required (optional)
Requirements to Shareholders
- Register of Shareholders – Closed for public
- Minimum Number of Shareholders – 1
- Corporate Shareholder – Available
- Annual General Meeting – Not required
- Location of Meetings – Anywhere in the world
- Nominee Shareholder – Available
Share capital
- Minimum Authorised Share Capital – No requirements
- Standard Authorised Share Capital – USD 50,000
- Minimum Issued Share Capital – USD 1
- Currency of Share Capital – USD or any other
Reporting Requirements
- Preparation of Accounts – Required
- Filing of Annual Return – Required on a yearly basis
- Publicity of Annual Return – Closed to the public
- Audited Accounts – Not required
Other features
- Redomiciliation to/from Jurisdiction – Permitted
- Shelf companies – Available
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of companies can be formed in Mauritius?
Common types of companies include Authorised Companies (AC) and Global Business Companies (GBC). Each of them has its unique characteristics and is best suitable for different purposes.
What are the benefits of Mauritius company formation?
The benefits include a favorable tax regime, political stability, a strategic location for international business, and a robust legal framework that supports foreign investments.
What documents are required for Mauritius business registration?
Required documents include a business plan, identification documents of directors and shareholders, proof of address, and the company’s proposed name.
What are the annual compliance requirements after Mauritius company formation?
Companies must file annual returns, and maintain proper accounting records. Additionally, tax returns must be submitted to the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
Is it necessary to have a registered office in Mauritius?
Yes, every company must have a registered office in Mauritius, which serves as the official address for correspondence and legal notifications.
How long does it take to complete the Mauritius company formation process?
The process typically takes between 5 to 10 business days, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the type of company being formed.
Do I need a local director for Mauritius company formation?
The Authorised Company (AC) does not require a local resident director. In contrast, for Global Business Companies, at least one director must be a resident of Mauritius.
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Mauritius?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a company in Mauritius, particularly in the case of Global Business Companies (GBC) and Authorised Companies (AC).
Can I open a bank account for my company after registration of Mauritius company?
Yes, once your company is registered, you can open a corporate bank account in Mauritius, which is essential for conducting business transactions.
What types of Mauritius bank accounts can I open?
Mauritius offshore banking offers a vast set of options to cover the needs of all clients.
Individuals and companies can enjoy savings and current accounts and multi-currency term deposits (USD, EUR, MUR).
Furthermore, Mauritius bank accounts provide their clients with wealth management services and investment solutions, securities trading and treasury services, as well as internet and mobile banking.
